Today MAKE kicks off a week of projects, news, articles, and inspiration all about the “connected home,” how the Internet of Things and smart appliances are connecting us in new ways to where we live, eat, and sleep. We’ll also be running a contest for the best connected home project.

By best, I mean best documented, most innovative, and most original project. The winner, to be picked by a panel of MAKE editors, will have his or her project featured on makezine.com and will receive a $500 voucher from the Maker Shed. There’s also a special bonus prize.

The submission period is open now and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT Feb. 6 so get started now! Full details and official contest rules can be found here.